Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, Ontario – The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG) are pleased to announce the grand opening of the SDG Regional Visitor Centre and Historic SDG Jail tour season.

The Visitor Centre is located inside the main entrance of the old Historic SDG Jail, attached to the County Administration building.

“Tourism is an important economic driver for our region and both the Historic Jail and the Visitor Centre represent our commitment to promoting tourism in the United Counties,” said Tim Simpson, SDG Chief Administrative Officer.

“Having one central location will help promote and distribute information to visitors about events and attractions across the region, said SDG Tourism Coordinator, Shauna Baggs. It’s a great feeling to see it come together like this!  We are very fortunate to have been successful in receiving Ontario 150 funding which has allowed us to hire four talented summer students (Andrew Reed, Deanna Fraser, Erin Stewart and Maddison Sabourin) who are helping to move regional tourism projects forward and providing historical tours of the jail”.

In addition to tours running from May to September, an interactive component will see history come alive in July and August with the “The Great Fenian Escape” that will enhance the regular tour experience. The play is written and directed by Brett Desrosiers, Historic SDG Jail Event Planner.

“We have a live interactive component that we’ve added to enhance the jail tours and educate public with artistic flare,” said Desrosiers.

Warden Jim Bancroft along with members of County Council were present to formerly cut the ribbon and officially open the new SDG Regional Visitor Centre and Historic SDG Jail tour season.